Seth Godin shared a very tight mental checklist you should consult before sending your next email. Here’s an abbreviated list of the 36 he wrote:

1. Is it going to just one person? (If yes, jump to #10) 2. Since it’s going to a group, have I thought about who is on my list? 3. Are they blind copied?4. Did every person on the list really and truly opt in? Not like sort of, but really ask for it?5. So that means that if I didn’t send it to them, they’d complain about not getting it? 6. See #5. If they wouldn’t complain, take them off!7. That means, for example, that sending bulk email to a list of bloggers just cause they have blogs is not okay. 8. Aside: the definition of permission marketing: Anticipated, personal and relevant messages delivered to people who actually want to get them. Nowhere does it say anything about you and your needs as a sender. Probably none of my business, but I’m just letting you know how I feel. (And how your prospects feel). 9. Is the email from a real person? If it is, will hitting reply get a note back to that person? (if not, change it please). 10. Have I corresponded with this person before?

(Editor's note: I don't agree with a couple of these but overall its a good list. Also, if you are sending mass forwards beware because you may receive a reply back with only this link in the text. )

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